CATS Motors unveils the C63 AMG Coupe. PHOTO BY ALVIN UY
CATS Motors Inc., the country’s exclusive distributor for Mercedes-Benz, held an early morning “fun run” last Sunday from its showroom in Global City to Greenfield, Sta. Rosa, then to Maxim’s Hotel in Resorts World Manila. The group was composed of members from the Mercedes-Benz Club and Mercedes-Benz AMG owners who brought their powerful AMG sedans and coupes for an early morning vehicular exercise along the SLEX. Dubbed as the Power Breakfast by Mercedes-Benz, Andros Villaraza, head of marketing for CATS Motors, intimated that they plan to hold this type of event on a regular basis.
The first Power Breakfast was held after an exhilarating fun run of about a dozen high-performance AMG sedans and coupes, including the venerable SLS AMG “Gullwing” supercar. Two of these units in fact were leading the pack of Mercedes-Benz AMG’s which included a short pit stop at the backroads of Greenfields Estate at Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
After the fun run, the members all went for their “Power Breakfast” at the lavish Impressions restaurant at the third level of Maxim’s Hotel at Resorts World Manila. But just before the breakfast, CATS Motors also took the opportunity to unveil the all-new C63 AMG Coupe. This gorgeous C-class Coupe had already received several serious inquiries that day and due to its limited production volume, it would not be surprising if the car would be under someone’s garage before Christmas. The C63 AMG Coupe is part of the AMG’s current collection of coupe models, which also includes the CLS 63 AMG, which this writer rode during the fun run.
Its massive 6.3 liter V8 engine puts out about 457 horsepower that matches well with an AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission with a race start function and a wider front axle compared to other C-class variants. Its flared wings, AMG radiator grille and bonnet as just some of the subtle tell-tale signs of this special edition coupe. Known for long-distance comfort and safety features, AMG does not make compromises in comfort with its upgraded performance. Its low profile stance and engaging and powerful shoulder lines matches well with a slim C-pillar also makes it look good in all sides.
AMG was an independent tuning firm that was founded in 1967 under the name AMG Motorenbau und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (AMG Engine Production and Development Ltd.) founded by two former Mercedes-Benz engineers Hans Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, whose last names bore the first two initials of AMG. The last letter stood for Grobaspach, which was the birthplace for Aufrecht. AMG became more specialized in tuning and modifying Mercedes-Benz cars and Daimler-Benz AG signed up with them to develop its special high-performance editions starting with the C36 AMG in 1993. By 1999, it acquired 51 percent of AMG and was renamed Mercedes-AMG. In January 2005, Aufrecht sold all his remaining shares to Daimler-Benz, making it a wholly owned subsidiary by the German auto brand.